On Friday, April 6th, City and County officials and dignitaries gathered for the official groundbreaking ceremony ushering in the start of construction on what will be a state-of-the-art recreation area complete with a host of amenities. The park is the result of the growing need for athletic fields and recreational facilities to serve the residents of South Lake County.
The new South Lake Regional Park is a 141.29-acre, multi-use regional park located on south Max Hooks Road. The park will have eight softball fields, six baseball fields, soccer fields, cricket fields, eight multi-use fields, basketball courts, tennis courts, canoe launch, volleyball courts, pavilion, playground, equipment buildings, concessions, multi-use trail, parking lots and access drives.
Booth, Ern, Straughan & Hiott, Inc. (BESH) was responsible for all civil design components of the project including the stormwater management system, lift station and water services. The Site design also includes a SJRWMD master site grading permit and an overall construction plan permit. A major design challenge was how to deal with the 50 plus feet of elevation change of the site. BESH was able to properly grade the site through design to meet all ADA requirements and create a user-friendly park for all.

The park will also give South Lake County an economic boost with tournaments and visitors spending money at local restaurants, hotels and stores.

Marion County held a ribbon cutting to kick off the official opening of the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Greenway Trail Santos and Land Bridge phases. Pictured to the far right with scissors in hand is Duane Booth, P.E. Principal/President of BESH. He is the Engineer of Record for the Land Bridge Phase and BESH was the Prime Consultant for this project.

The Santos and Land Bridge phases are two of seventeen trail sections forming the Cross Florida Greenway. The Greenway crosses Florida from the Gulf of Mexico to the St. John’s River with more than 300 miles of trail for biking, walking and other non-motorized transportation.

“This is a tremendous economic driver,” said Eric Draper, Director of the Florida Park Services. “People will come from all over the state to Marion County to enjoy this trail.”

The folks that were gathered to ride the trail were more enthralled, however, with the beauty and layout of the trail and were enthusiastic to have such a wonderful, local amenity to enjoy for years to come.

BESH is very proud to share the Firm’s qualifications. You will learn about the Principals of the Firm, our valuable key staff, and a variety of project examples. Please feel free to contact us directly if BESH can provide assistance with your next project. The following link will provide access to a PDF copy for your review.